Key skills and expertise

With over 22 years of experience in finance, accounting, and controlling, the expert is a seasoned manager and consultant specializing in healthcare systems. The focus has been on enhancing financial sustainability and efficiency, demonstrated by leading international projects in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. Career highlights include overseeing a €3 billion budget at the Croatian Health Insurance Fund. Skills encompass leadership, communication, and analytical abilities, with significant achievements in healthcare reform and financial management. Previously held roles such as Vice Director of the Croatian Health Insurance Fund and CEO of Desiderius Consulting.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with international donors, including the World Bank and the European Union. Involvement has included providing technical assistance, conducting evaluations, and capacity building in healthcare and public sector governance. Worked on regional and national projects, such as the Health Care Network Optimization Plan in Serbia and the National Development Strategy in Croatia. Geographic experience spans countries including Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania, focusing on improving healthcare systems and public administration efficiency.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across key sectors including healthcare, financial services, public sector governance, and education. Responsibilities have included leadership roles such as CEO, Vice Director, and Deputy Minister, with a focus on finance, accounting, and controlling. Interdisciplinary expertise includes healthcare system reform and financial sustainability, with a regional focus on Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. Work has involved managing large-scale budgets, implementing health system reforms, and providing consultancy for international projects. Extensive geographic experience includes significant involvement in Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, Slovenia, and Montenegro. This has provided deep familiarity with regional development issues and local governance dynamics, contributing to healthcare reforms and financial management initiatives across these countries.

Languages and education

The expert is a native Croatian speaker and fluent in English, with proficiency in reading, speaking, and writing. Additionally, there is working knowledge of German and Spanish. Language skills have been utilized in various international projects and multilingual teams, particularly in healthcare and public sector governance across Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. These competencies have facilitated effective communication and collaboration in diverse linguistic and cultural environments. The expert holds a Master of Economics degree from the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Zagreb, Croatia, completed between 1998 and 2003. This graduate education focused on business economics, specifically within the Department of Organisation and Management. Additionally, specialized training in health financing was completed through the World Health Organization's Barcelona Course in Spain in 2014.